Wherein this avatar's fates, adventures and experiences in, his thoughts and feelings about and his reactions to his first and second life are depicted with written messages, images and other audiovisual tools.

I am Bock in SecondLife and Bock is I in first life. We share thoughts, opinions, feelings, actions and reactions. We are one and the same and inseparable. On this blog I choose to share both my realities.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Sweden's National Day 2014

June 6 is Sweden's National Day and the Swedish Flag's Day in first life.

In SecondLife it has also been proclaimed to be the International Kiss-A-Swede Day by The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, prince of Cascade Falls, Sovereign Ruler of the Commonwealth of The Southern Enchantment Region and Outer Territories and by the United Nations appointed Protector of the Solace Island and Mount Whitney sims.

To celebrate the day I am - as has become my habit - going to share with you the song that should rightfully be Sweden's National Anthem (if everyone would just listen to me).

This is a lousy concert version. Ulf is most likely more than a little drunk and is taking far too many liberties with his own beautiful song, but all other versions on the Internet have limited permissions and could not be viewed by International audiences. I am indebted to my friend Petr Hastings-Vanbeeck for helping me find this video, as something is better than nothing!

I Feel Best In Open Landscapes
music and lyrics by Ulf Lundell (lyrics translated to English by Bock McMillan)

I feel best in open landscapes, close to the sea I want to liveA few months throughout the year, so I can get peace withinI feel best in open landscapes, where winds are blowing fullWhere the larks fly free up to the sky, and singing wonderfulThere I make my own aquavit, and flavor it with St. John´s WortAnd drink it with pleasure, with herring and homemade breadI feel best in open landscapes, close to the sea I want to live.

I feel best in peace and freedom, for both body and soulNo one comes too close to me, who shuts in and stealsI feel best when the day is breaking, where fields are filled with lightWhen cocks crow far away, where it´s far to the closest houseBut still so close, that one quiet silent nightWhen you're sitting under the stars, you can still hear the laughterI feel best in peace and freedom, for both body and soul

I feel best when the sea is swelling, and gulls are crying highWhen the beach is filled with seashells, with the oceans sound insideWhen the clear and the simple, can exist the way it wantsWhere yes is yes, and no is no, and doubt is lying lowThen I tie a ring of leafs, and lay it on the closest rockWhere runes were cut for our sake, once so long agoI feel best when the sea is swelling, and the gulls are crying high

First we wouldn't mention "the Lord", secondly we wouldn't be able to have our anthem sung if we win anything in the U.S.A. with the lyrics you suggest, Can you imagine the protests...? Lastly, if we offend the Finns they will never allow us to live it down, and so many of them already have a grudge against us for historic reasons.

Our present anthem is more than a little morose, it is like a funeral psalm.

Thanks Eddi, from me, her royal highness and the other Swedes. Of course I already know that Princess Madeleine reads my blog, she has been doing so since her pregnancy and we are in constant communication, although it must of course be handled with the greatest discretion.

Join SecondLife®

Linden Lab®

About Me

I am The Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm, prince of Cascade Falls and sovereign ruler of the Commonwealth of Southern Enchantment with Outer Territories.

I am a resident of SecondLife. In my first life I live in the southernmost part of Sweden.

I am married to the wonderful, handsome and talented Tomais Ashdene, and was previously married to the likewise wonderful handsome and talented Ars Northmead until he passed away in 2010. It makes me proud and grateful to have earned the love of these two men.

I often change appearances but I am always stunningly handsome, mostly humble, often patient and sometimes friendly!

My interests are widely ranging and include, but are not limited to, art, fashion, music, literature, film, politics, law, community but above all people.

Blog Archive

Followers

ILGA Europe

The NOH8 Campaign

The NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8.

The Trevor Project

Suicide prevention among LGBT and questioning youth

Straight But Not Narrow

Men talking to men about men who like men, man!

Human Rights Campaign

Working for LGBT Equal Rights

You Can Play

Gay athletes. Straight allies. Teaming up for respect.

It Gets Better Project

Reminding LGBT youth that they are not alone and that it indeed does get better

Qx & Qruiser

Qx - Swedish LGBT News & Cruising website

Southern Poverty Law Center

Fighting Hate. Teaching Tolerance. Seeking Justice

GLAAD - Because words and images matter

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation

The world’s first foundation dedicated to raising awareness of the long-term, damaging effects of bullying, and funding those doing real-world work to stop it.

RFSL

RFSL—The Swedish Federation for LGBTI Rights

Legal Disclaimer

Second Life® and Linden Lab® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Linden Research, Inc. All rights reserved. No infringement is intended. This site is not owned or operated by Second Life® or Linden Lab®. Any information contained here does not in any way represent the views of Linden Lab® or it's employees.